GMP launches major crackdown on cash-in-transit robberies

Greater Manchester Police has announced it is stepping up its fight against violent cash-in-transit and commercial robberies in the run up to Christmas and the New Year.

The operation, codenamed Vanguard, will ensure that the use of force resources provides maximum impact to target, deter and disrupt the activities of professional criminals responsible for such attacks in the run up to the festive season, which is traditionally the busiest period for the cash handling industry.

GMP will work closely with the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and other partner agencies to safeguard CIT vehicles during delivery and pick-up times, by utilising a number of tactics to further protect and offer reassurance to people working in the commercial banking and security industries.

Officers will use a variety of tactics to prevent robberies against cash-handling vehicles, including armed police vehicles escorting high-risk security vehicles as they carry out their normal deliveries, the use of overt and covert CCTV monitoring and patrol cars. In addition, the Force helicopter will shadow the vehicles from the air during collections or deliveries, enabling any activity to be monitored.

Another initiative 'follow that van' will keep potential robbers guessing whether a cash delivery van is likely to get a police escort. Patrolling officers who come upon a cash-in-transit delivery while on general duties will follow and observe the van on its run. Also the latest forensic technology is being utilised and SmartWater spray devices and other anti-theft systems will be hidden in CIT vehicles across Greater Manchester and will provide a unique forensic solution to identify the perpetrators of CIT attacks and bring them to justice.

The security industry has invested heavily into the operation to ensure a continuation in the reduction in the number of attacks and increase protection for security staff, cash in transit and financial and commercial premises such as banks, post offices, supermarkets, betting shops and garages.

Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Heywood, Operation Vanguard, said: "Greater Manchester Police is committed to safeguarding people in the security industry from these criminals who do not hesitate to use violence to achieve their aims. Greater Manchester, being a highly commercialised region, attracts more than its fair share of this type of crime.

"We have seen huge reductions of 34 per cent and I am determined that we will maintain the momentum into the New Year. To ensure this we have reviewed our tactical deployments of officers over this busy period on the run up to the festive period to achieve maximum impact on these offenders.

"Last year we saw an increase in the level of violence used against security personnel rise and this strengthened our resolve to protect them in carrying out their duties and to bring more of these violent criminals to justice. We have achieved both of these.

"Through Vanguard, we are hitting these career criminals hard on many fronts on the streets, in the county and in their communities. Just two weeks ago we arrested a number of these criminals in an armed strike, again demonstrating our hard-hitting approach to these offenders.

"By working closely with the security industry, we aim to send out a very clear message to criminals that this type of crime will not be tolerated and at all times we have our 'eyes wide open'."

Dick Hanks, British Security Industry Association National Police Liaison Manager, says: "Police operations like the one being launched in Manchester are part of dedicated work nationwide to reduce cash-in-transit crime and protect couriers from violent attacks. The security industry is working with partners in Government, the police, trade unions, the banking and retail industries to reduce this crime. The result of this sustained effort is that it is getting harder and harder to perpetrate a cash-in-transit attack and the criminals just won't know when they are being watched."